Geological Feature Extraction

In order to ensure safety and productivity during underground mine development, as well as during day-to-day mining operations, mine engineers need to continually assess the location and status of geological formations within the underground environment.

Geological feature extraction is an important step in determining where these geological formations are and how they can affect the day-to-day operation of the mine. This can be performed in several ways, depending on the amount and depth of data required. For initial assessment, e.g. when building a new mine or undertaking major expansions to an existing mine, a specialized, highly detailed survey exercise may be called for.

This may require specific expertise and very specialized equipment, at least initially or on a once-off basis. However, for ongoing geological feature extraction data and monitoring, 3D mobile mine scanners like the uGPS Rapid Mapper™ are ideal.

Due to its portability and ease of use, the uGPS Rapid Mapper™ is able to quickly and efficiently perform many underground surveying tasks, including geological feature extraction. This scanner can generate accurate, reliable 3D point cloud data while on the move (e.g. when attached to an ATV or other mine vehicle).

The mobile nature of this type of data gathering means it can be regularly updated (daily if necessary), making it easy for mine engineers to continually monitor activities, equipment, shafts, tunnels and geological features.

About uGPS Rapid Mapper™

Map your mine while you drive: uGPS Rapid MapperTM is a laser-based mobile tunnel mapping system that provides rapid 3D point cloud data acquisition – purpose built for underground mines and designed for easy input into your underground mine planning applications.